Germination
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 4.1.6
Germination
Fertilisation leads to the formation of fruit or seeds. Seeds can remain dormant (inactive) for some time, and contain the food reserves needed to support the growth of the new plant before it can photosynthesise for itself. Seeds need certain environmental conditions in order to germinate (sprout roots and shoots):
Water
- Seeds are often dehydrated, so need water to rehydrate to start germination, but not too much water as they might rot.
Oxygen
- Seeds need oxygen for respiration.
Suitable temperature
- Seeds need to be a suitable temperature so that their enzymes can work well.
Test yourself on Germination
Which of these is not needed for seeds to germinate?
What happens if seeds are exposed to too much water?